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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) will give $5 million to local housing partners to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian with paying their homeowner’s insurance deductibles in the six counties hardest devastated. Individuals, families, and seniors residing in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties who apply and qualify through Florida Housing’s local housing partners are eligible for funding assistance. For more information, homeowners are recommended to contact their local SHIP office directly. Local government information (floridahousing.org).
As the state’s housing finance agency, Florida Housing receives annual money from the Legislature for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program, with $5 million reserved for use in the case of a natural disaster. This year, the disaster funding will aid Floridians with low to moderate incomes who reside in one of the six counties hardest damaged by Hurricane Ian and cannot afford their insurance deductibles.
Following the effects of Hurricane Ian, it was of utmost importance to us that individuals were able to return to their homes and begin rebuilding as soon as possible – the news made today will aid in this endeavor. “We are aware that many homeowners have coverage for the hurricane, but insurance deductibles are costly and frequently leave a gap that is not filled by other assistance. These funding will immediately assist low-income families and elderly in their recovery.”
“We know that many industrious families and senior individuals on a fixed income reside in the areas affected by Hurricane Ian,” stated Florida Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Trey Price. “Hurricane deductibles are higher than ordinary deductibles for house damage, and many afflicted individuals lack the tens of thousands of cash necessary to begin reconstructing their homes. By providing the required financial support to help these families pay their insurance deductibles, we seek to alleviate a portion of the stress that follows a large catastrophe and allow recovery efforts to remain the primary emphasis. We are appreciative for the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the state legislature as we continue to provide the necessary resources to help Southwest Florida towns rebuild.”
“Only a little over a week ago, Governor DeSantis and I sat down with business owners in Lee County, where we repeatedly heard about the very real, pressing difficulties that residents need assistance with in order to recover. Dan Eagle, secretary of the Department of Economic Opportunity, stated that insurance deductibles were a recurrent topic of conversation. “Today, under the direction of the Governor, we’re taking action based on the feedback of Southwest Florida people, and we look forward to meeting with Florida Housing’s local partners to spread the word and discover more methods to support housing needs.”
Additionally, Florida Housing is compiling information on disaster aid resources. The following resources may be available to families affected by Hurricane Ian:
- Individuals that have been displaced from their homes are encouraged to visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This free, statewide search platform is constantly being updated to ensure all listings are accurate and can help quickly locate an affordable rental property. If you do not have Internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance in conducting a search: 1-877-428-8844.
- If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal and/or home repairs. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information: Local Government Information (floridahousing.org)
- Florida residents can apply for federal assistance to help with disaster-related expenses, including temporary lodging. For more information please visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use the FEMA App.
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA) back the majority of U.S. mortgages – and each has some kind of program to help homeowners struggling to pay their monthly mortgage payment after a disaster. Disaster relief options are offered to homeowners in declared major disaster areas. However, even homeowners outside those areas may have options if their home incurred a disaster-related loss that impacts their ability to make a mortgage payment. Foreclosure and other legal proceedings are also suspended while homeowners are on a forbearance plan. Click here to learn more.
- Operation Blue Roof: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
- If you own a private business that has been impacted, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz/.
For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation and disaster relief resources, please visit Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).